What are your thoughts on the the flag of England, and is being 'English' an ethnic group?

[shaz619]

The flag of England is derived from St George's Cross and in this current day and age there seems to be a mixed response to it.

The negative is that in the past and to an extent in the present it has been embraced by far right groups which in my opinion tarnish its image.

But am of the view we should take it back from such individuals and especially England football fans like myself have no issue putting on the football teams shirt with the St George Cross to show support.

Plus being born in England it's an easy decision to make which brings me to my second question, would minorities born in the country classify themselves as English or British citizens ? if you are born in Scotland you are Scottish like [MENTION=3474]TalhaSyed[/MENTION] for example, if you are born in Wales you are Welsh and in my view if you are born in England then you are English, but there are many people from minority backgrounds who do not classify themselves as such.

Interestingly 'English' is not a category when it comes to census data or if you are completing a form for example, there are categories such as British Asian, Black British, White British etc

The 'English' can also refer to the natives with the origins going back to the early middle ages.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION][MENTION=136193]Adil_94[/MENTION] [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] [MENTION=48620]Cpt. Rishwat[/MENTION]

 

[James]

It is certainly notable how Welsh nationalism and Scottish nationalism are considered socially acceptable and even politically sound goals, whereas even English patriotism (let alone English nationalism) is viewed as a dirty idea.

I have ancestry from both England and Ireland. Personally I consider myself to be White British. I support the inclusion of this classification on the next Census and also White English, White Scottish, White Welsh, White Northern Irish, and White Irish.

I think that the many decent people amongst the English should reclaim their flag from the far-right extremists.

 

[Adil_94]

Tbh i think english people have every right to show pride in the national flag like any peoples have. I think one of the issues with the england flag is as u said it has been hijacked by far right groups and because england is one of them countries where overt patriotism and nationalism isnt really apparent like say if u went to America its common to see people have U.S Flags flying over schools or over peoples houses. In england u only associate that with the far right. Also the England and the English being the dominant power within Britain has meant historically Britain and England has been used interchangably. And British and English has been used interchangably.

Personally i see English as a more ethnic category and British as a more civic category not tied to any ethnic heritage.

 

[Adil_94]

Welsh nationalism and scottish nationalism in the u.k context is seen as small power nationalism against the more dominant english. Also Plaid Cymru and The SNP are left wing organisations which help creates that impression.

English nationalists are seen as wanting to maintain english dominance & hegemony over its neighbours n due to that being associated with the far right its seen as negative [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

 

[Pakistanian]

Yes, English is an ethnicity.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Union Jacks or flag of St George are not really the essence of Britain as far as I am concerned. Usually it is only mongs who think waving these will make them more British. Britain is about green grass, tea and scones, and an innate sense of superiority to the subjects of the lands we ruled.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I like the fact British/English people aren't very patriotic or brainwashed by patriotism. Sure they support the armed forces and the football team(in competitions) but unlike Americans they dont have the flag hanging outside their house or are worried about criticising the government.

The England flag is a bit boring and although I wear an England shirt with it on, I wouldn't have one anywhere else.

 

[TalhaSyed]

I agree that these days the English flag is either associated with sporting events or with far right groups which is a shame, since that's not what you want for any flag. However, the Scottish flag is still viewed as a socially acceptable way of representing your patriotism without being viewed as being overly aggressive.

As for the nationality question u think it's a similar story where - correct me if in wrong - but people in England would largely refer themselves as British rather than English, whilst in Scotland people are way more likely to refer to them selves as Scottish.

What I mean by that is if you go to some average Joe on the street and ask them what nationality they are (without giving them a chance to really think about it) in England they are way more likely to simply say "British" whilst in Scotland the answer is what more likely to be "Scottish"

 

[Robert]

I don’t feel particularly English. Dad was an Irish Celt and I live in Cornwall.

I feel like a Briton.

There should be an English Assembly, perhaps in Birmingham.

Sadly both the Union Flag and the St George flag have been hijacked by racists and nationalists. I took to wearing a Union Flag pin to hashtag takebackjack from these sad and nasty people. Mrs Robert did too and got challenged - as though she cannot be black and British.

 

[James]

The Union Jack is certainly a patriotic gesture but does not seem overtly offensive or aggressive. It’s the English flag that has become an extremist symbol.

 

[CricketCartoons]

The english flag must be replaced to one which represents all ethnicities and which others don't feel threatened by. The st george's cross must be banned as it has become an extremist symbol.

 

[Bosanquet]

I don’t feel particularly English. Dad was an Irish Celt and I live in Cornwall.

I feel like a Briton.

There should be an English Assembly, perhaps in Birmingham.

Sadly both the Union Flag and the St George flag have been hijacked by racists and nationalists. I took to wearing a Union Flag pin to hashtag takebackjack from these sad and nasty people. Mrs Robert did too and got challenged - as though she cannot be black and British.

I have no issues with people sporting the St George's cross from their cars/homes during events like the current circus in Russia. It's when they have one (or more) such emblazoned across their chest, arms etc - as witnessed on a number of individuals during my rounds in the past week - that raises concern. However, there is a certain quiet satisfaction to be gained observing their rather meek and possibly slightly embarrassed demeanor when surrounded by 2 nurses of Caribbean extraction, several doctors including one Nigerian, one Chinese, one Egyptian, one south asian & just one who may possibly be white British (but is not).
No verbal or any other form of racism expressed in those situations - but I suppose that we are rather protected in such surroundings (ITU/CCU etc). My colleagues at the coal-face in A&E have different stories to tell.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The english flag must be replaced to one which represents all ethnicities and which others don't feel threatened by. The st george's cross must be banned as it has become an extremist symbol.

As someone who has strong convictions in reversing the growth of minority landmarks in India such as the Babri mosque, what would you suggest for England to replace the St George's cross?

 

[CricketCartoons]

As someone who has strong convictions in reversing the growth of minority landmarks in India such as the Babri mosque, what would you suggest for England to replace the St George's cross?

You are wrong about my convictions. I want redressal for historical oppression, whether done by majority or minority.

What would be the replacement should be decided by the natives and the non natives who are descendants of the ex subjects (loyal or otherwise) of the British Raj.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You are wrong about my convictions. I want redressal for historical oppression, whether done by majority or minority.

What would be the replacement should be decided by the natives and the non natives who are descendants of the ex subjects (loyal or otherwise) of the British Raj.

Indeed, and the decision at present is that the St Georges cross represents England perfectly adequately.